HOT HATCH CABBIE

A taxi driver in Norway has a less-than-conventional approach to his car of choice for work – A Ford Focus RS.

Whereas larger, more fuel-efficient Ford models are the vehicle of choice for some UK private hire companies, Evald Jåstad has clocked up an impressive 127,000 kms (79,000 miles) in just 18 months in, arguably, the most popular taxi in Norway.

The first job of the day for cabbie, Evald, is a 16-kilometre round-trip from Odda through breathtaking Scandinavian scenery to take his son to nursery before locals and tourists call on him to take them across the Trolltunga cliffs, in style.

“There are not many people who can say they live their dream. But I am definitely one of them,” says the 36-year-old father‑of‑two. “When I drive him to nursery, all the way there, Martin shouts out ‘Bånn gass! Bånn gass! – More gas! More gas!”

About The Author

Loves cars, especially old cheap ones. Drives a fossillised Land Rover and original Mini Cooper. Loves popular culture and often imagines he is in a Tarantino/Carry On movie mash up. Incredibly, has won awards for journalism and books.